In a graphic video which has been mostly removed from the internet, one of the gunmen in the Paris attack can be seen shooting Merabet in the head as he lies wounded on the ground, his hands in the air.

People are honouring Merabet online, with many pointing out that he represents the face of modern Muslims and not the gunmen who killed 12 people on Wednesday. Inspired by #JeSuisCharlie, they are using the hashtag #JeSuisAhmed

This tweet from writer and activist Dyab Abou Jahjah set the hashtag #JeSuisAhmed on fire

I am not Charlie, I am Ahmed the dead cop. Charlie ridiculed my faith and culture and I died defending his right to do so. #JesuisAhmed